“Wyoming Is Having a Moment in 2026”
Episode Summary

If Wyoming isn’t on your 2026 travel list yet… it will be after this episode. In this lively, laugh-filled conversation, co-hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro dive into why the Cowboy State is set to become the destination for women over 45 craving adventure, authenticity, luxury—or all three.

Heide brings back stories straight from Carbon County, like free 24/7 hot springs, llama trekking with goofy-but-loveable pack animals, saloon-style dinners with real cowboys, and small-town museums with some truly wild Old West history.

Then, the duo shifts to Jackson Hole’s major glow-up for 2026, including luxury lodge renovations, ski-season celebrations, red-light-therapy spas (yes, please), sleigh rides, wildlife safaris, and rooftop hot tubs under enormous Wyoming skies.

It’s fun, it’s feisty, it’s full of irresistible travel inspiration, and it’ll have you planning a birthday trip, girls’ getaway, or solo escape before the episode even ends. If you’re a woman embracing your independence, your curiosity, and your “why not?” era, this one’s for you.

Listen in and discover why Wyoming is about to have its biggest year yet.

Links Mentioned:

• Carbon County, WY: discoverCarbonCountyWI on Instagram
• Hotel Terra Jackson Hole: hotelterrajacksonhole.com
• Teton Mountain Lodge: tetonlodge.com
• The Sylvan Lodge at Snake River Sporting Club: snakeriversportingclub.com
• Travel Wyoming: travelwyoming.com

Support the show

Join co-hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro on "Untethered and Wander Wise," the award-winning travel podcast dedicated to inspiring women over 45 to embrace adventure on their own terms.

In this episode, Heide shares her unforgettable journey to Grand Junction, Colorado, a hidden gem packed with epic scenery, outdoor thrills, vibrant local culture, and welcoming community spirit.

Discover why Grand Junction is the perfect alternative to crowded Colorado hotspots, with highlights including canyoneering, ATV adventures, horseback riding, wine tasting in Palisade, and glamping near Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you crave adrenaline or comfort, this episode offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and plenty of reasons to add Grand Junction to your travel list.

Key Resources:
- Visit Grand Junction: visitgrandjunction.com
- Colorado Electric Byways Tourism Toolkit: oedit.colorado.gov/electric-byways-tourism-toolkit
- Arapaho Valley Ranch: arapahovalleyranch.com
- Palisade Wine Tourism: visitpalisade.com

Mentioned Attractions:
- Colorado National Monument
- Grand Mesa (largest flat-topped mountain in the world)
- Rattlesnake Arches (second-largest concentration of natural arches)
- Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (Colorado Electric Byway)
- Palisade Wine Country (30+ wineries)
- Arapaho Valley Ranch glamping
- Rocky Mountain National Park (west entrance)

Support the show

What if your worst travel nightmare—a cancelled flight and unexpected airport layover—could become your best adventure yet?

Join Heide and Nicky as they completely flip the script on airport travel with their incredible 4-day discovery of Southside Seattle, the vibrant communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. From squid fishing on a fall night to exploring a UFO mysteries trail, from a Viking-themed meadery to a botanical garden literally under the flight path, these aren't your typical "airport hotel" experiences.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines each offer distinct personalities and authentic local experiences just minutes from one of America's busiest airports
• Why that "generic airport area" is actually a multicultural foodie destination with Korean barbecue, Vietnamese bubble tea, Somali cuisine, and fresh Pacific Northwest seafood
• Practical tips for transforming travel delays and layovers into mini-adventures (especially relevant as ATC staffing issues continue to disrupt flights nationwide)
• The surprising maritime culture, local history, and outdoor experiences hiding in plain sight near major airports

Perfect for women 45+ who:

• Are tired of just "surviving" airport travel and want to thrive instead
• Love authentic local food scenes and cultural discoveries
• Are dealing with current travel stress and flight disruptions
• Want to maximize those "necessary" airport hotel stays
• Are ready to see delays and detours as opportunities, not disasters

Whether you're currently stuck in an airport or planning your next trip, this episode will change how you think about those "in-between" travel days forever. Discover why sometimes the best destinations are the ones you never planned to visit.

Support the show